Electrical switch and interlocking casing



B. n. HORTON. I Y ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND INTERLOCKING CASING.

' APPLICATlON FILE D APR. 15,4918.-

1 ,412 242, Patented Apr. 11, 1922;

a SHEETSSH-EET I- ATTORNEY B. D. HORTON.

ELECTRICAL SWIT CH AND INTERLQGKLNECASENG.

APPLICATION FILED APRIL 1918.

1,41 2,242. Patented Apr. 11, 1922.

3 SHEET8 SHEET 2.

Y B. D. HORTON. ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND INTERLOCKING CASING. I

HAPPLICATION FILED. APR. 15, ms

1,412,242; Patented Apr. 11,- 1922 a SHEETS-SHEET a.'

BRYSON DEXTER -IIORTON,

OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND INTERLOCKING CASING.

Application filed April 15,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BRYSON DEXTER Hon- TON, a citizen of the United States, residing at.Det-roit, in the county of lVayne and 'State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Switches and Interlocking Casings, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forms a complete and exact description thereof.

My invention relates to electric switches of the general type having an enclosing casing of metal or other suitable material, insulated from the electric contacts of such switch, generally known as armor-clad switches.

It is an object of my'invention to equip a switch of this type with an interlocking cover whereby the cover cannot be opened until the switch has been thrown in the off position. This type of switch fulfills its purpose thoroughly as to protecting those, who have occasion to use such switch, from contact with any live parts as the switch is always in off position before the cover can be opened. However, with a switch of this type it is impossible for the inspector of the power or lighting company to inspect the, switch mechanism without opening the cover of the box, and as the cover cannot be opened without first opening the switch, such inspection necessitates the shuttin off of the consumers power before inspection can be made.

It is therefore a further object of this invention to, so arrange the interlocking features that such interlocking mechanism may be rendered inoperative by an authorized person such as the inspector or by a person equipped .with suitable means, such as a key, for instance. 'That is to say, the interlocking may be set aside by the inspector, temporarily, whereby he is enabled to open the cover and inspect the switch mechanism without first opening the switch. By this means, it will be seen that suitable inspection can be made without in anyway interfering with the customers service.

It is a further object of this invention to provide means on such cover and box whereby such cover may be locked in closed position to prevent anyones having access to the interior of said box but still to allow the switch to be operated through the medium for an external handle.

' A further object of this invention is to Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 11, 1922.

1918. Serial No. 228,636.

equi the switch mechanism and the cover of t 1e box with means whereby the switch may be locked in off position, if so desired.

A further object of this invention is to equip the cover and switch mechanism with means which renders the closing of the switch impossible until the cover has been closed.

A further object of this invention is to so design the switch mechanism and interlocking cover that a very rugged and simple structure results which is in normal operation practically foolproof.

One of the many possible embodiments of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings which forms a part of this specification and in which similar reference characters denote similar parts Fig. 1 is a perspective View of an armorclad switch with the top' closed and the interlocking mechanism effective and in closed position ;in dotted lines the external parts of the switch being shown in open position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the armorclad switch with the top open and the switch in closed position, the interlocking mechamsm being here shown in inoperatii'e or ineffective position.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detailed view showing the interlocking mechanism in inoperative position.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the armon clad switch with the top or cover closed and locked and the switch mechanism locked in off position; and I Fig. 5 is a sectional detail of the device for securing the quick break.

It will be seen from reference to Fig. 1 that the armorclad feature comprises a box composed of a base portion 1 and cover 2 hingedly connected at 3, the base or body portion 1 carrying an upright apertured portion 4 passing through an aperture 5 in the top, whereby a padlock may be inserted through the apertured portion 4 to thereby lock the cover in closed position. This box is provided with knock-out portions 6 adapted to be removed if a particular type of wiring is used. The ends of the box are provided with openings: 7 which may be closed by removable'end portions of any suitable type (not shown). Such removable end portions are slid between the guiding ears or angle irons 8, (Fig. 2) and the end plates may be bolted in place by bolts or screws passing through openings 9 in the box. These removable end portions will also be heldin place when the top of the box is in closed position. The box is here. shown with the top provided with a-cavity or recess 11). but it is obvious that the box may be made deep enough so that it would not be necessary to have this cavity to.

Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawing, which shows the interior construction and the switch mechanism, it will be seen that the switch is of the pivoted blade type, the blades being shown at 11 pivoted at 1'2 and contacting with stationary spring contact members 13 and connected together through the instrumentality of the metal bar 14: surrounded by insulating sleeves 15 which are clamped thereon by clamp members 16. These. clamp members 16 have downwardly projecting portions 17 which are fastened to the pivoted knife blades. It is obvious. however, that the particular construction of the switch may be other than that specifically shown. The stationary contacts 13 are provided with members 18 adapted to have the wires attached thereto, At the other end, namely. the. pivoted end of the knife blade, are fuse clips 19 and 20. (lips 19 are electrically connected with pivot members 12, while clips 20 carry members 21 adapted to receive the wires. Fuses 22 are slipped into these receptive clip members and are held in place thereby. It is obvious that other types of fuse structure may be used than the cartridge fuses here shown.

The means for operating the switch members through the connecting cross bar 14 comprises an inverted U-shaped operating member 23 pivoted aneach side of the box at 24 and E25 and overhanging the switch mechanism proper. This U-shaped member 23 has an arm 26 extending outwardly of the ase and provided with a handle 27 whereby it may be-operated from the exterior of the box.

The Ushaped member 23 is connected with the cross bar 14 by a link mechanism, shown at 28. which comprises a strap-like member passing. over the U-shaped member 23 and around the cross bar 14. A detail of this link is shown in Fig. 5. It will be seen from such figure that the link is composed of an outer casing or strap member 28, 29, connected together by a screw bolt at the upper end. Fastened to the screw bolt 30 is a spring 31 which extends inside this strap or *asing and is connected at its other end to the cross bar 14 and normally holds such cross bar 14 in the position shown in Fig.

The operation of this quick break mechanism is as follows :\Vhen the U-shaped member 23 is moved upwardly from its position, as shown in Fig. 2. through the in strun'ientalityof the handle 27. spring 31 is stretched and'places a tension upon the cross bar 14 tending to withdraw the knife blades 11 from engagement with the contacts 1 This is prevented. however. by the frictional engagement of such knife blades and con-- tacts. 'hen the U-shaped member 23 is moved upwardly a distance sutlicient to cause the body portion of the link mechanism to strike against the cross bar 14, such cross bar 1-1. together with the knife blades 1 1. are positively moved upward. and when such blades are partly witlnlrawn from the contacts 13. the tension of the spring ll is sutlicient to quickly withdraw the knife blades from the contacts 13-3 and move them upwardly a material distance thereby quickly rupturing the electric circuit.

The interlocking mechanism is attached to the extended portion of the U-shaped member 23 passing through the box adjacent its pivot connection This interlocking mechanism comprises a normally upstanding portion or short rock arm 31 rigidly connected with a portion 3:") of the U- shaped member. Loosely pivoted upon the portion. b5 of the U-shaped member is a long rock arm or reciprocatory bar 36 which has an outwardly extending flange '37 adapted to overlie a flange 38 provided upon the member 31. Flanges 37 and 38 are provided with aligning openings 39 adapted. to receive a portion of the padlock or other locking means 40 and thereby be temporarily joined. It will be understood that other suitable means may be used for temporarily locking the two members together. The member 3t carries an extended portion 11 which in normal or closed position of the switch projects upwardly and is directly opposite an upstanding ear portion or finger 42 rigidly fastened to the top of the box. It will thus be seen that said members 36 and 41 together form a long rock arm. From this detailed description, it will be readily seen that the box top cannot be opened under normal conditions when the switch is in closed position as the ear 4-2 would then contact with the portion 41 and thereby prevent the opening of the cover. If, however. the. switch is thrown in open or off position, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. such member 41 'moves out of the. path of the car 42 and the box cover may then be opened. From this it will be seen that under normal conditions. when it is desired to have access to the interior of the box. such access cannot be gained until the switch is in off position thereby rendering customers line dead or free from electrical connection with the service side of the system. In this condition the fuses may be safely renewed or other minor operations performed without any danger of a workmans coming into contact with live parts of the system.

It. is sometimes desired, by the properly autl'iorize-d person. to obtain access to the interior of the box while the switch is in closed position. This is particularly true in the case of an inspection by the power or 4 lighting companys inspector or test man.

This access to the interior of the box may be secured without opening the switch by such properly authorized person, by unlocking the padlock 40, or the equivalent securing condition is shown in Fig. 2, where itwill.

be seen from the dotted end structure, on the left-hand side of such figure, that this interlocking mechanism is in inoperative position and the switch may be opened or closed at the will of this person irrespective of the position of the cover. WVhen the in- 4 sults are secured, such as, for instance, a quick break'mechamsm, an armorclad switch spection or testing is over the top of the box is closed and the padlock or other locking means 40 is returned to the position shown in Fig. 1.

It is sometimes desirable that the switch be locked in off position, whereby a customer is prevented from using the companys power. This is secured by throwing the U-shaped member to its extreme rearward position, that is to say, a continuation of the opening movement until one of the arms of such U-shaped member contacts with the stop 43. In this position the top of the box is closed and the member 44 moves down into such position as to be. in the path of movement of one of the arms of the U-shaped member 23. The box is then looked in closed position by means of suitable locking means, such as shown at 44',Fig. 4', and the customer is thereby prevented from closing the switch andusing the companys power. f

It will be seen from the foregoing that a very useful and simple mechanism is 'provided whereby a number of desirable reexternally operated, an interlocking cover and switch mechanism having a. arranged sequence of operation whereby normally the cover cannot be opened while the switch is closed nor the switch closed while the cover is open, and an auxiliary prepossible forms of securing these desired results and such specific description and drawings must, therefore, be considered as illustrative and not limiting the invention to the specific form shown, except as hereinafter defined by the following claims I 1. In an enclosed switch, the combination of an interlocking cover, of a switch mechanism whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until said switch is in open position, and means'whereby the. normal interlocking may be rendered ineffective and the cover opened while the switch is in closed position. a

2. In an enclosed switch, the combination of aninterlocking cover and switch mechanism whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until said switch is in open position and the switch cannot be closed until the cover is closed, and meanswhereby the normal interlocking may be rendered temporarily inefiective and the cover opened while the switch is in closed position.

3. In an enclosed switch, the combination of an interlocking cover and switch mechanism whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until said switch is in open position and the switch cannot be closed until the cover is closed, and means whereby the normal interlocking may be rendered temporarily inefi'ective and the cover opened while the switch is in closed position and the switch closed while the cover is in open position.

4. In an enclosed switch, the combination of an interlocking cover and a switch mech anism whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until the switch is opened and the switch cannot be closed until the cover is closed, and means whereby said cover and switch may be temporarily rendered independent.

5. In an enclosed-.switch, comprising a casing provided with a cover and an enclosed switch, the combination of means nor- 'mally operated by the movement of such switch and co-operating with the cover, whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until the switch is opened and the switch cannot be closed until the cover is closed, and means whereby the first mentioned means may be rendered independent of the operationbf said cover.

6. In an enclosed switch, comprising a casin having a cover and an enclosed switcl i, the combination of means co-operating with the said cover whereby normally the cover cannot beopened until the switch is opened and the switch cannot be closed until the cover is closed. and means for rendering said first means ineffective. whereby the cover may be opened while the switch is closed and the switch may be closed while,

the cover is opened.

7. In an enclosed switch, the combination of a casing provided with a cover, means for operating said switch externally, and means carried by the operating means for interlocking said switch and cover, whereby normally said cover cannot be opened while said switch is closed and the switch cannotbe closed while said cover is opened, and means whereby said interlocking means may be rendered temporarily ineffective.

8. An enclosed switch, comprising a casing provided with a movable cover, means for operating the switch, comprising a member passing completely through said casing aml provided on one side of the casing with an operating handle and on the other side with two members, one rigidly fastened and one pivotally fastened to said operating means. and means temporarily uniting said pivotally and rigidly fastened members, said pivotally mounted member in one position of the operating means interfering with the movement of the cover.

9. An enclosed switch, comprising a casing provided with a cover, means for operating the switch. comprising a member passing completely through said casing and provided on one side of the casing with an operating handle and on the other side with a lon and short rock arm, said short rock arm rigidly connected and said long rock arm pivotally connected to said operating means, and means temporarily joining said long and short rock arms, said long rock arm in one position of the operating means interfering with the anovement of the cover.

ll). An enclosed switch comprising a casing provided with a hinged cover, means for operating the switch, comprising a member passing completely through said casing and provided on one side of the casing with an operating handle and on the other side with a long and short rock arm, said short rock arm rigidly connected and said long rock arm pivotally connected to said operating means. and means temporarily joining said long aml short rock arms, said long rock arm in one position 'of the operating means interfering with the movement of the cover.

11. An enclosed switch, comprising a casing provided with a hinged cover, said cover having an upstanding ear adjacent the hinged side thereof, means for operating the switch, comprising a member passing completely through said casing and provided on one side of the casing with an operating handle and on the other side of the casing with a long and short rock arm, respectively rigidly and pivotally fastened to said operating means. said pivotal member co-operating with said upstanding ear to cause said cover and switch mechanism to interlock, and means temporarily joining said long and short rock arm.

12. An enclosed switch. comprising a casing having a hinged cover, means for operating said switch, comprising an inverted U-shaped operating member with laterally extending portions at the lower ends of the arms thereof, said laterally extending portions passing through the casing, an external handle formed upon one of said laterally extending portions and external short and long rock arms rigidly and pivotally joined, respectively, to the other laterally extending portion, said rock arms being upon the hinge carrying side of said casing, said long rock arm being normally in the path of movement of the cover thereby preventing the opening of said cover when the switch is closed, and means for temporarily joining said long and short rock arms.

13. An enclosed switch, comprising a casing having a hinged cover provided with an upstanding ear adjacent the hinged side thereof, means for operating said switch comprising an inverted U-shaped operating member with laterally extending portions at the lower ends of the arms thereof passing through the casing, an external handle formed upon one of said laterally extending portions, and external short and long rock arms rigidly and pivotally joined, respectively, to the other laterally extending portion, said rock arms being upon the hlnge carrying side of said casing, said long rock arm normally preventing the opening of said cover when the switch is closed by contacting with the upstanding ear and normally preventing the closing of said sv. itch when the cover is opened by contacting with a portion of said cover, and means for temporarily joining said long and short rook arms. I

14. In combination, a switch, a protective enclosure for said switch proii ded with a cover removable to disclose the switch, means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover while the switch is closed, and a disabling device which permits the opening of the cover while the switch is closed.

15. In combination, a switch, a protective enclosure for said switch provided with a cover removable to disclose the switch, means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover while the switch is closed, and a disabling device for said interlock accessible from the exterior of said enclosure, which permits the opening of the cover while the switch is closed.

16. In combination, a switch, a protective enclosure for said switch provided with a cover removable to disclose the switch,means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover, preventing the opening of the -cover while the switch is closed, a disabling device which permits the opening of the cover while the switch is closed, and means for normally locking said disabling device.

17. In combination, a switch, a protective enclosure for said switch provided with a cover removable to disclose the switch, means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover while the switch is closed, a disabling device for said interlock accessible from the exterior of said enclosure, which permits the opening of the cover while the switch is closed, and means for normally locking said disabling device.

18. In combination, a switch, an enclosure therefor, provided with a cover removable to afford access to the switch, means external of said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover until the switch has been opened independently of said cover, and a disabling device for said interlock which permits the opening of the cover without opening said switch. v

19. In combination, a switch, a housing therefor, provided with a cover removable to afford access to the switch, means external of said housing for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover until the switch has been opened independently of said cover, and a disabling device for said interlock accessible from the exterior of said housing which permits the opening of the cover without opening said switch.

20. In combination, a switch, an enclosure therefor, provided with a cover removable to afford access to the'switch, means external of said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock'between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover until. the switch has been opened independently of said cover,- a disabling device for said interlock which permits the opening of the cover without opening-said switch, and means for normally locking said disabling device.

21. In combination, a switch, a housing therefor provided with a cover removable to afford access to the switch, means external of said housing for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the.

therefor, provided with a cover removable to afi'ord access to the switch, means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover until the switch has been opened independently of said cover and preventing the closing of said switch while the cover is open, and a disabling device for said interlock permitting the opening of the cover without opening said switch and the closing of the switch while the cover is open.

23. In combination, a switch, an en closure therefor provided with a cover removable to afford access to the switch, means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the closing of the switch while the cover is open, a disabling device for said interlock, permitting the closing of the switch while the cover is open,

and means for normally locking said dis-' abling device.

24. In combination, a switch, an enclosure therefor, provided with a cover removable to afford access to the switch, means external to said enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and said cover preventing the opening of the cover until the switch has been opened independently of said cover and preventing the closing of said switch while the cover is open, a disabling device for said interlock permitting the opening of the cover without opening said switch and the closing of-the 100 switch while the cover is open, and means for normally locking said disabling device.

25. In combination, a switch, an enclosure therefor having a cover removable to gain access to the switch. means exterior to the 10 enclosure for operating aid switch, an interlock between said switch and cover for insuring prearranged sequence of operation of the switch and cover respectively, and a disthe operation of said switch and cover independently of each other. I

26. In combination, a witch, an enclosure therefor having a cover removable to gain access to the switch, means exterior to the enclosure for operating said switch, an interlock between said cover and switch for insuring prearranged sequence of operation of the switch and cover respectively, a disabling device for said interlock permitting the operation of said switch and cover independently of each other. and means for normally locking said disabling device.

27. The combination of a switch mechanism. means for preventing access to the switch mechanism when in closed position, means to render said first means ineffective so that access may be had to the switch mechanism when in closed position, and means for normally locking said last mentioned means.

28. In an enclosed switch. the combina tion of mechanism whereby normally access can not be had to the enclosed switch when in closed position, means temporarily rendering said interlocking mechanism ineffective, and means for normally locking said last mentioned means.

29. In an enclosed switch, the combination of switch mechanism normally interlocking with the switch enclosure to prevent access to the switch when in closed position, means to render said interlocking mechanism inoperative whereby acces may be had to the switch mechanism when in closed position, and means to normally lock said last mentioned means.

30. In an enclosed switch, the combination of an interlocking'cover, of a switch mechanism whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until said switch is in open position, means whereby the normal interlocking may be rendered ineffective and the cover opened while the switch is in closed position, and means for normally locking said last mentioned means.

31. In an enclosed switch, the combination with switch mechanism normally interlocking with the switch enclosure to prevent access to the switch when in closed position. of means to render said interlocking mechanism inoperative whereby access may be had to the switch mechanism when the switch is in closed position and whereby the switch may be operated to the open and closed position,

and means for normally locking said last mentioned: means.

32. In an enclosed switch and cut-out, the combination with an interlocking cover and switch ope 'ating mechanism whereby normally the cover cannot be opened to afford access thereto until the switch is in the open position. of means whereby such interlocking may be rendered ineffective and the cover opened while the switch is closed.

33. In an enclosed switch having a casing provided with a cover, means for operating said switch, means operated by said switch operating means for interlocking said switch and covercomprising a reciprocatory bar and means carried by the cover co-operating therewith, whereby normally the cover can not be opened until the switch is opened, and means for rendering the interlocking means temporarily ineffective whereby the cover may 'be opened while the switch is closed.

34;. In an enclosed switch having a casing provided with a cover, means for operating said switch, means operated by said switch operating means for interlocking said switch. and cover, comprising areciprocatory bar and a finger carried by the cover and cooperating with said reciprocatory bar. where by normally the cover cannot be opened until the switch is opened. and means for rendering the interlocking means temporarily in effective, whereby the cover may be opened while the switch is closed.

35. In an enclosed switch having a casing provided with a cover, means for operating said switch, means operated by said switch operating means for interlocking said switch and CO"61 comprising a recipocatory bar and a finger carried by the cover, said finger having a shoulder adapted to engage said bar, whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until the switch is opened, and means for rendering the interlocking means temporarily ineffective. whereby the cover may be opened while the switch is closed.

36. In an enclosed switch having a casin; provided with a cover, means for operating said switch, means operated by said switch operating means for interlocking said switch and cover comprising a rociprocatory bar and a finger fastened to the cover and cooperating with said reciprocatory bar, whereby normally the cover cannot be opened until the switch is opened, and means for rendering the interlocking means temporarily ineffective, whereby the cover may be opened while the switch is closed.

37. In an enclosed electric switch having a casing provided with a cover, the combination of switch operating means with interlocking means co-operating with both cover and switch operating means, whereb the cover cannot normally be opened whi e the switch is closed, and means for rendering the interlocking means temporarily ineffective.

38. In an enclosed switch having a casing )rovided with a cover, said cover havin a lug extending substantially perpendicu ar therefrom, the combination of switch operating means, and interlocking means, said interlocking means cooperating with both the switch operating means and the lug, and external means for rendering said interlocking means temporarily ineffective.

39. In an enclosed switch having a casing provided with a cover, said cover having a lug, the combination of switch operating means, and interlocking means, said interlocking means co-operating with both the switch operating means and the lug, and external means'for rendering said interlocking means temporarily ineffective.

40. In an enclosed electric switch having a casing provided with a cover, switch operating means, interlocking means cooperating with said cover and switch operating means, and means for rendering said interlocking means temporarily ineffective while said cover is closed.

41. In combination, a switch, a housing therefor provided with a cover removable to afford access to the switch, means external of said housing for operating said switch, an interlock between said switch and cover preventing the closing of the switch until the cover has been closed independently of the switch, and a disabling device for said in terlock accessible from the exterior of said housing which permits the closing of said switch without closing said cover.

42. In an enclosed electric switch having a casing provided with a cover, the combination of switch operatin means with interlocking means cooperatlng with both cover and switch operatin means, whereby the switch cannot norma ly be closed while the cover isopen, and means positioned exteriorly of the caslng for renderlng the inter- 15 locking means temporarily inefl'ective.

disable said interlocking means.

BRYSON DEXTER HORTON.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,412 242, granted April 11, 1922,

upon the application of Bryson Dexter Horton, of Detroit, Michigan, for an improvement in Electrical Switches and Interlocking Casings, an error appears in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 1, strike out paragraphs beginning with the word It, line'49, and ending with the word desired,

line 59; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 17th day of October, A. D., 1922.

KARL FENNING,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

